Bike the Baroque
The Hidden gems of the south – Discover the lesser known corners of the province of Siracusa. Cycle through the unspoiled hills and enjoy the comfort of selected accommodations with charm and history.
Difficulty level:
Easy
Distance:
35-55 km per day, 150 – 700 m elevation gain per day
Terrain:
paved roads
Start from:
Buccheri
Duration:
4 nights/5 days or 6 nights/7 days
Availability:
every day (on request)
Participants:
Minimum 2
Day 1
Arrival at Buccheri and settle at your hotel.
Delivery of the bikes and tour briefing.
Optional: cooking class at the hotel
Day 2
Buccheri – Ferla – Palazzolo Acreide 35 km / 700m+
After breakfast start cycling to Buccheri, a mediaeval town. You continue to Ferla, our favourite village of the Iblei mountain, overlooking the Anapo Valley. Ferla has an impressive number of baroque churches on the short main street. You continue downhill to the bottom of the Anapo valley where you take a bike lane. A former railway transformed into a beautiful cycleway. You finish in Palazzolo Acreide, a baroque town of very ancient origins with an interesting Archaeological Park “Akrai” with a Greek Theater.
Today’s tour is hilly with some short climbs. Detour to the Archaeological site of Pantalica (UNESCO World heritage) is possible. Extension 15 km / 200 m+
Optional: cheese tasting
Day 3
Palazzolo Acreide – Noto Antica – Noto 36 km / 200m+
You leave Palazzolo Acreide on quiet country roads. Your first stop is Noto Antica, the ruins of the original city destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Continue downhill to Noto, the capital of Sicilian Baroque.
Longer version: cycle the crest fo Cavagrande del Cassibile, one of the deepest gorges in Europe. Continue downhill on spectacular switchbacks with views over the Mediterranean sea. Extension 15 km / 200 m+
Optional: walking tour of Noto with a guide or visit of the lush Palazzo Castelluccio
Day 4
Countryside of Noto
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Marzamemi 45 km/150 m+
Cycle through vineyards and olive groves to the Oasis of Vendicari, a Nature reserve for migration birds. Continue to Marzamemi, a fishing village of Arab origins. You finish in Portopalo di Capo Passero, the southernmost tip of Sicily.
Longer version possible: if you like climbing we have an extra loop around Noto for you with beautiful views over the valleys before you head south 15 km / 500m+
Optional: visit of a winery and wine tasting
Day 5
Departure – Goodbye!
After breakfast individual departure or continue cycling.
Not done cycling yet? Continue along the sea to the Baroque cities!
Day 5
Pozzallo – Scicli 50 km/250m+
Cycle along the south coast to Pozzallo, the port to Malta. Continue to Scicli, a small baroque town with impressive palazzi and famous as the filming location of the “Montalbano” TV Series.
Day 6
Modica & Ragusa 56 km / 700m+
Loop ride to Modica and Ragusa. Some moderate climbing on the way through a lush valley, called “Cave” in Sicily among carob trees and olive groves. Modica, a lively centre with numerous baroque buildings, while Ragusa Ibla is quieter, perching on the hill with its meander of little streets and alleys leading to the majestic Duomo Square.
Shorter version possible (42 km / 500m+)
Optional: chocolate tasting in Modica
Tour Character/difficulty level:
The first stage has some climbs, the following days are mostly downhill or flat.
Day 7
